Regional

Ono rejected from UF president search

NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
The state university system’s Board of Governors on Tuesday rejected the appointment of former University of Michigan President Santa Ono as president of the University of Florida. The 10-6 vote came after heavy debate about Ono’s past views on issues such as diversity, equity and inclusion.
Suwannee County Commissioner Don Hale wants the commission to discuss possibly slowing down the North Florida Water Utilities Authority’s move to handle utility operations in Suwannee and Columbia counties. (FILE)

Suwannee County Commissioner Don Hale wants the commission to discuss possibly slowing down the North Florida Water Utilities Authority’s move to handle utility operations in Suwannee and Columbia counties. (FILE)

Brakes getting pumped on utility group

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, May 30, 2025
LIVE OAK — A year after officially launching, the North Florida Water Utilities Authority is set to finalize a contract with its initial director.
Suwannee County’s Guy Larson won a $3 million Florida Lotto jackpot. (COURTESY FLORIDA LOTTERY)

Suwannee County’s Guy Larson won a $3 million Florida Lotto jackpot. (COURTESY FLORIDA LOTTERY)

Wellborn man wins $3M lotto jackpot

NEWS STAFF
Friday, May 30, 2025
A late March visit to Murphy USA in Lake City paid off in a big way for a Suwannee County man. The Florida Lottery announced Wednesday that 58-year-old Guy Larson, who lives near Wellborn, won a $3 million Florida Lotto jackpot from the March 29 drawing.
Former Florida State University President and House Speaker John Thrasher died Friday after a battle with cancer. (COURTESY)

Former Florida State University President and House Speaker John Thrasher died Friday after a battle with cancer. (COURTESY)

‘Gentleman warrior’ Thrasher dies

NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
Friday, May 30, 2025
TALLAHASSEE — Former Florida State University President and House Speaker John Thrasher, whose career in politics and public service spanned more than three decades, died Friday after a battle with cancer, his family announced.

School cell phone restrictions signed

NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
Friday, May 30, 2025
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday signed a bill that will expand a restriction on cell-phone use in Florida schools. The bill (HB 1105), which was approved by the Legislature on May 2, revises law that has prevented students from using cell phones during instructional time.

Snapchat snaps back on state law

NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
Friday, May 30, 2025
TALLAHASSEE — The company that operates Snapchat asked a federal judge this week to put on hold — or reject — a lawsuit filed by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier alleging violations of a 2024 state law aimed at keeping children off some social-media platforms.
A tree leans over State Road 47 near SW Walter Ave. after Hurricane Helene passed through Columbia County in September. (FILE)

A tree leans over State Road 47 near SW Walter Ave. after Hurricane Helene passed through Columbia County in September. (FILE)

Federal help questioned ahead of hurricane season

NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
TALLAHASSEE — With another potentially active Atlantic hurricane season on the horizon, Florida is preparing for the possibility the federal government won’t respond like it has in the past.